In a few seconds, Samantha Kuzma has to move quick to her position and make an even quicker decision.

The Gregory-Portland volleyball junior setter has record a successful set for a kill more than 1,000 times this season but with each serve, Kuzma knows her decision making could make the difference in a set or a match, and winning and losing.

“It’s pretty quick, yeah,” Kuzma said with a smile. “I have an initial plan when the ball is served, but half the time if a pass is different than expected or something goes other than I planned it to go, I’ve got to change real quick. It just depends on the play.”

Kuzma’s success being the “quarterback” is a key reason the Ladycats have one of the area’s most potent offensive attacks and G-P has a shot to make a return to the Region IV-5A tournament. But Kuzma is not alone.

Hitters and middle hitters/blockers have taken the limelight the last few seasons but as the high school volleyball playoffs begin Monday, setters have worked their way into that spotlight and are a key reason the area could have multiple teams in regional tournaments.

“It’s fun to see the setters being in the spotlight for once,” said Tuloso-Midway coach Jamie Gill, who also set when she played at Friendswood High School near Houston. “They run the show. You look at the big dogs up front and the little people in the back that constantly getting touches on the ball but the setter runs the show. Regardless of the pass they are still required to put the ball where it needs to be.”

Along with Kuzma, setters such as Veterans Memorial’s Chelsea Blair, Flour Bluff’s Cali Nims and London’s Emilie Cagle have worked in their positions for multiple seasons, leading offenses and gaining the trust of their players and coaches.

The physical skills such as quickness and durability along with sure hands are key, what coaches and setters value most is the ability to build trust among the other players on the court.

The comparisons to quarterback are common as a poor set can change the momentum of a set and that is why knowing the tendencies of hitters is a key part of the process.

“You have to be smart with your play and just know what hitter you are on and know where the block is on the other side,” said Nims, a sophomore and first-team All-South Texas selection in 2017.

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Flour Bluff's Cali Nims sets the ball against Tuloso-Midway during their volleyball game on Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018 at Tuloso-Midway High School.(Photo11: Casey Jackson/Caller-Times, )

Kuzma said she has played with Nims in area club volleyball circuits, and many of the area’s setters have played for clubs such as CC Force or Coastal. That experience is key not only for the opportunity to showcase in front of college coaches out of season, but also building the skills needed to play the position.

Kuzma said she began setting when she was about 10 but also played in the middle, and began setting more playing for G-P. Kuzma said she learns from the other players she’s played with and against.

“I have actually played with most of the setters and some have actually set me,” Kuzma said. “We know each other pretty good and we know they are good.”

Nims’ coach, Kara Wallace, said the area’s setters are not just good volleyball players but also athletes and a “passion for the game.”

“They work really hard out of the season on their own time and have made hitters even better throughout the season,” Wallace said. “Most of the time your setters and middle hitters are the hardest ones to find.”

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Veterans Memorial's Chelsea spikes the ball during their game against Carroll at Carroll High School on Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2018.(Photo11: Courtney Sacco/Caller-Times, Courtney Sacco/Caller-Times)

SETTING IT UP

A look at some of the area’s top setters

Chelsea Blair, Veterans Memorial — Blair is a four-year starter for the Eagles and has grown with the program and has 627 assists and 56 aces this season.

Samantha Kuzma, jr., Gregory-Portland — Kuzma controls one of the region’s most potent offensive attacks and has 1,119 assists this season but also has 20 solo blocks.

Cali Nims, so., Flour Bluff — A first-team All-South Texas selection as a freshman, Nims has lived up to the hype this season becoming a team captain and has 1,007 assists this season.

Kelly Graves, jr., Taft — Graves is a three-year starter for the Greyhounds and has amassed 722 assists this season.

Hannah Gallegos, jr. and Madisyn Burnell, sr., Sinton — The duo has combined for 887 assists this season and both also are part of the Pirates’ offensive attack when they are not setting.

Emilie Cagle, London — Cagle not only leads the Pirates in assists with 651 but also has 215 kills and 418 digs, which also leads the squad.